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ObituaryOn February 26, 1947, the Reverend Curtis Walter Goodwin, Sr., blessed Alfred and Annie Hinton Goodwin as their second
child in Hamilton, Harris County,Georgia. His youngest sister, Eloise “Pee-Wee” Goodwin Burton Carter, preceded him in death.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God. (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) In 1965, Reverend Goodwin graduated William H.
Spencer High School in Columbus, Georgia. Realizing the importance of an education, he journeyed to Nashville, Tennessee,
and enrolled in the historic American Baptist Theological Seminary on the “Holy Hill”. He also became a member of the
renowned preachers-only fraternity, Alpha Iota Nu. In 1979, Reverend Goodwin successfully completed his undergraduate
studies and received a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies.
I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. (Psalm 119:125) As a young boy
Reverend Goodwin faithfully attended his mother’s family church, Friendship Baptist Church, in Hamilton, Georgia. During
his youth, he accepted Christ as his Risen Lord and Savior and joined Tabernacle Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. In
July 1969, Pastor Goodwin affirmatively responded to the call of the ministry and was licensed the same year under the pastorate
of the late Reverend Marion Myers. During 1973, Reverend Goodwin experienced numerous successive blessings at Watson
Grove Missionary Baptist Church. On January 21 he was ordained and later that year, on October 11; he was installed as the
pastor and obedient under-shepherd.
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man putasunder. For who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies. Her children arise up and callher blessed… (Matthew 19:6; Proverbs 31:10, 28) On April 23, 1977, Reverend Goodwin married the love of his life,
his wife of 34 years, the former Bernice Covington, a native of Kirkland, Tennessee. The Lord blessed their union with three
ambitious, creative sons– Curtis, Jr., Corey, and Christopher. While Reverend Goodwin’s primary aspiration was to please
God, his personal ministry was to cherish his wife and be a model man for his sons. God is faithful, by whom ye werecalled unto the fellowship of his son Jesus Christ our Lord…that ye all speak the same thing, and that therebe no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the samejudgment. (1 Corinthians 1:9-10)
And let our’s also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. (Titus 3:14)Among his many professional accomplishments, Reverend Goodwin was the longest-serving pastor of Watson Grove
Missionary Baptist Church, having completed over 37 years of service. Under his administration and visionary leadership,
Pastor Goodwin provided his congregation with continuous spiritual and physical growth. The ministries he established
include, but are not limited to: Transportation, Radio, and several ground-breaking Mission Outreach Ministries such as the
Recovery, Puppet, Dramatic Arts, and Precious Pearls Ministries. The Christian Education and Youth Ministries are among
those that reflect two of his most ardent passions: Education and mentoring. Pastor Goodwin personally licensed and
ordained at least 35 ministers (his “sons and daughters”) who serve churches throughout the United States. Moreover, Pastor
Goodwin guided, prepared, and nurtured innumerable disciples to use their gifts and talents to impact various aspects of
God’s Kingdom.
Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2) The completion
and dedication of the Educational Wing on August 7, 1988, provided a more effective means for equipping God’s people for
ministry. Watson Grove acquired additional property, enabling the church to encompass the entire block facing Horton Street.
That extension included two apartment buildings. Not content with past successes, in 2002, Pastor Goodwin received a vision
from God to rebuild “the Grove.” Construction began in 2003 and Phase One was completed in 2008. The accomplishments
include a 1,100-seat sanctuary and a Pastoral Suite which houses a Pastor’s Study, Library, Conference Room, and administrative
office. Indeed, Pastor endeavored to ensure that Watson Grove Missionary Baptist will be recognized by it’s mission to be a
caring, sharing, and fruit-bearing church.
In addition to his faithful leadership at Watson Grove, Pastor Goodwin served as President of the Congress of Christian
Workers of the Nashville City Missionary Baptist District Association (1988-2000); Vice President of the Congress of
Christian Workers of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Tennessee (1995-2003); Moderator of the Nashville City
Missionary Baptist District Association (2000-2008); President of the Congress of Christian Workers of the Missionary
Baptist State Convention of Tennessee (2003-2007); National Vice President of the Alumni Association of the American
Baptist College; Coordinator of the Alumni Banquet at American Baptist College; Billy Graham’s Operation Andrew Committee
for Tennessee; the Metropolitan Charitable Solicitation Committee; Host Committee, Congress of Christian Workers of the
National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. (1994, 2006).
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knowethright well. (Psalm 139:14) “Sonny,” as he was affectionately called by his family and close friends, was fun-loving and
generous with an incomparable sense of “GQ” style. Oh yes: “Rev” could rock a suit and hat! He also had a unique gift for
connecting with people, especially youth—those who consider themselves “Curtis Kids.” On his serious side, he was a
compassionate, supportive confidant who, on occasion, dispensed tough love. If he were here today, he’d say, “Did anybody
Tweet you? Text you? Facebook you? Email you?” Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlastingGod, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of hisunderstanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Eventhe youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORDshall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; andthey shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Therefore be ye also ready…for we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we havea building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (Matthew 24:44; 2 Corinthians 5:1)On Friday afternoon, August 19, 2011, God dispatched His angels and called His beloved Reverend Curtis “Sonny” Walter
Goodwin, Sr., home to glory. What a blessing! Reverend Goodwin departed this life much like he lived it—peacefully,
confidently, and submissively to the Lord.
Mourning but celebrating his victory in Christ are: His devoted wife and their three sons; a daughter, Bridget (Kerry) Childs;
son, Eric; brother - Alfred “Jack” Goodwin, III; sister, Evelyn Goodwin; granddaughter, Teneshia; four grandsons, Braylan,
Kemontaye', Kelando and Cameron; sister-in-law, Ernestine (Scott) Barnett; uncles, Robert (Nathan Pearl) Hinton, Sr., and
Lester (Alma) Goodwin; aunt, Clara (Walter) Corrin; nephews, Carlos (Joyce) Burton, and Brandon and Nicholas Barnett;
niece, LaTara Carter; a very special family friend, Tracy Wright; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives.
Without a doubt, Pastor Goodwin’s Watson Grove Family, brothers and sisters in the ministry, and cherished friends
everywhere will dearly miss him—for Pastor, having a discerning spirit, never met a stranger.
Order of ServiceTRIBUTE FROM FAMILY Dr. Benjamin Hinton
Pastor, Tabernacle Baptist Gastonia, NC
DUET Marable Twins
WORDS OF COMFORTThe Breakfast Club Rev. Freddie B. Carpenter, Jr.
Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church
Close Friend Rev. James C. Turner Pastor, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
The Clergy Rev. Edwin Sanders Pastor, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church
Spiritual Sons and Daughters Rev. George Parks Jr.Pastor, Riverside Missionary Baptist Church
Memphis, TN
READING OF CONDOLENCES AND RESOLUTIONS Rev. Margreat SmithsonAssociate Minister,
Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church
SONG Watson Grove Celebration Choir
MESSAGE OF HOPE Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, Jr.Pastor, Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church
Columbus, GA
SOLO Mrs. Bonnie D. Hatcher
EULOGY Rev. James ThomasPastor, Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church
BENEDICTION Rev. Clint M. Lewis Pastor, Mount Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
RECESSIONAL
Order of Service
PRELUDE Musicians
CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Micheal E. WilliamsPastor, Ebenezer Community Church
OPENING HYMN “Father I Stretch My Hands to Thee” Congregation
PRAYER Rev. Breonus MitchellPastor, Greater Grace Temple Church
OLD TESTAMENT (Job 14:1-10) Rev. Timothy J. WoodsPastor, Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
Birmingham, AL
EPISTLE LESSON (II Timothy 4:6-8) Rev. Ross M. Shanklin Pastor, Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church
GOSPEL LESSON (Matthew 10:1-4) Rev. George Parks, Sr.Pastor, Sacrificial Missionary Baptist Church
Cleveland Ohio
SONG Watson Grove Celebration Choir
SPECIAL EXPRESSIONS Dr. Julius R. ScruggsPresident, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
Pastor, First Missionary Baptist Church Huntsville, AL
Dr. George T. Brooks, Sr.4th Vice President, National Baptist Covention
Pastor, Saint James Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Frank S. GordonPresident, Missionary Baptist State Convention of TN
Pastor, 14th Ave Baptist ChurchNashville, TN
SONG Watson Grove Celebration Choir
Reverend Jordan Ivey, IIIModerator- Elect, Nashville City District Association
First Baptist West NashvilleOfficiating
Cherished Moments Loving TributesTo Our Pastor
God sent you to this place
To lead us in the way
That He would have us work and think
And live from day to day.
No matter the hour; whatever the need,
You went the extra mile -
Always ready and willing to share
A comforting thought and a smile.
We thank you for your ministry,
Your guidance and your care.
We're grateful that you were here with us
To teach us from His word,
And we will do our best to keep your vision alive
That “the Grove” is forever a place of caring, sharing, and fruit-bearing,
and filled with an abiding faith in God.
- A Grateful Church Family
Acknowledgements
Honorary PallbearersMinisters
Active PallbearersDeacons, Watson Grove Missionary Baptist
Honorary Flower BearersMothers, Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Ministers’ Wives, State Convention of TN
Active Flower BearersMissionaries, Watson Grove Missionary Baptist
Funeral Services Entrusted toNew Generation Funeral Home
2930 Murfreesboro PikeAntioch, TN 37013
Tonya Scales-HaynesPastor Derrick L. Jackson
Funeral Directors(615) 365-7105
NewGenerationFH.com
IntermentSpring Hill Cemetery
Program Design and Printing by615-256-6707 ph • 615-256-6708 fxwww.celebratingawonderfullife.com
ernest.broadwater@broadwaterprint.com
Celebrating A Wonderful Life™ is a registered trademark of Broadwater and Associates Group, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Broadwater and Associates Group, Inc., Nashville, TN. All rights reserved.
It is with sincere gratitude the Family acknowledges the numerous expressions of kindness, concern and sympathy. Your love and support during this difficult time will continue to sustain us.
A special thank you to the Saint Thomas Heart Transplant Department whose staff was so caring.May God bless you.
- The Family
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